Region 2: GREATER CAUCASUS
9. Alpine landscapes of Kazbegi
Coordinates: 42 o20’ N, 44o40’ E
Altitude: 1500– 5033 m. a.s.l.
 Temperate. Winters are cold and snowy, summers cool. Annual precipitation ca. 1,000 mm (80 mm in January, 120 mm in April, 100 mm in July, 60 mm in October). 40 days with heavy rains per year. 75– 250 days with snow cover. Mean temperature: January /– 10, April/1, July/8, October/8. Mean maximum temperature (July)/16o C.
 The site is a part of the Greater Caucasus in Georgia, very popular hiking area around the famous peak Mkinvartsveri (Kazbegi), with the spectacular Darial canyon to the north and Truso gorge to the south. Natural landscapes vary from deep gorges and canyons with fast streams and sub– alpine vegetation to high mountain peaks (the highest is 5,033m) with glaciers. Woodland is scarce with a mixed and coniferous forests dominating. Geologically, the site is mainly made up of tertiary volcanogenic bedrock – mostly andesites, with the scarce formations of Paleozoic and older granites. Kazbegi is the most feasible site to watch vultures, mountain birds, and mountain goats. It is best to plan your visit for several days, although even a two– day trip for watching some birds is possible with a car.
 The terrain is rugged and hard to walk over, but the more hiking and climbing, the better chances to spot indigenous birds such as Caucasian snowcock and Caucasian black grouse as well as great rosefinch and Güldenstädt’ s redstart. The other indigenous bird is Caucasian chiffchaff. There are also large aggregations of red– billed and yellow– billed choughs. Common scavengers and raptors are bearded and griffon vultures, golden eagle, and peregrine falcon. Other birds to watch are chukar, red– fronted serin, horned lark, water pipit, greenish warbler, barred warbler, rufous– tailed scrub– robin, alpine accentor, wallcreeper, twite, scarlet rosefinch, white– winged snowfinch, and dozens of other songbird species.
 An important attraction of the area is East Caucasian tur. Herds can sometimes be seen even from the surroundings of the town Kazbegi. Other mammals that can be met in the area are chamois, brown bear, lynx, otter, fox, rock marten, ermine (stoat) and Shelkownikow’ s water shrew. Several local endemic rodents live in the area, including snow voles and birch mice. Interesting reptiles are endemic Caucasian and Daghestan rock lizards, a west Caucasian subspecies of slow worm, and Lotiev’ s adder. Typical alpine flora includes bush of two species of alpine roses, various orchids, daphne, sea buckthorn, wild service tree etc. Endemic flowers include Arabis kazbegii. A number of endemic flowers, such as Delphinium caucasicum, are found in the subnival zone.
 Mountaineering, rock climbing, hiking, horseback riding, camping, ancient castles and fortifications.
  From mid– April through September.
 The area is one of the most accessible birdwatching sites in Georgia. The district center of the area, Kazbegi, can be reached either by car, taxi, or minibus. The trip takes 3– 4 hours one way from Tbilisi. Taxis and minibuses leave from Didube bus station in Tbilisi. A one– way trip costs around 10 lari. Wildlife attractions are reachable by foot, by car, or on horseback.
 Lodging/food is possible at village houses or in one of the few hotels in Kazbegi, priced around 20– 25 $ per day. In mountains, camping is possible, and there are resting places en route to Kazbegi peak. In one Kazbegi hotel, there is a good restaurant. Many dinning places are available en route.
Read also A Birder’s Diary in Georgia, The Kazbegi and Truso Gorge Birding Experience by Tom Coles
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